Memory door on 27-inch iMac 2017

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Level 1

9 points

Memory door on 27-inch iMac 2017

Opening the memory compartment door on my 2017 iMac 27 inch is easy, but it will not close properly. Do I need to use force on it, to snap it back into position?

iMac 27″ 5K, macOS 13.7

Posted on Jan 3, 2026 1:41 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

HWTech

Level 9

69,182 points

Jan 3, 2026 6:46 PM in response to peterpatter

Make sure you first move the memory carrier back into place and both latches are locked in place. If this is not done, then the memory cover won't fit.

As for the memory cover itself, it will require a little bit of pressure to push it into place. You may need to start with one side, then the middle, then the other side. Remember what it took to pull the cover off even after the cover was released & pushed out? It will require a bit more effort to reattach it.

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Answer 2

Limnos

Level 10

427,841 points

Jan 3, 2026 6:41 AM in response to peterpatter

Check the exact recommendations here: Install memory in an iMac - Apple Support

For example, one model says:

"Replace the memory compartment door. You don't need to press the compartment door release button when replacing the compartment door."

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Answer 3

peterpatter Author

Level 1

9 points

Jan 3, 2026 10:51 PM in response to HWTech

The cover has many tiny springs around its edges. If two or three of these are damaged (possibly when the original memory modules were installed), the cover can't be pressed in all round, to get it flush with the surrounding surface. The top edge (just below the vent slots) sticks out about 1mm, and will not press in further.

It seems wrong to press it in with force. Because of this situation, I have put a strip of masking tape over the top edge to help seal the cover. Perhaps I should remove any damaged tiny springs from the edges of the cover, and then re-insert it. Before I do this, what do you think? Feedback please.

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